Able2Extract PDF Converter Review

Often times in the world of CAD and engineering we find ourselves with a PDF document that we wish we could modify but can't. The solution used to be we had to recreate the document in its native program from scratch. This was especially painful if we were dealing with a complicated AutoCAD drawing in PDF format. Luckily, those days are long gone. Investintech has created the best PDF conversion software around and one of the best benefits is being able to convert those pesky PDFs back into DWG or DXF files. Not  only does it convert PDF to AutoCAD, it also does the whole range of Office products including Excel, Word, PPT, and others. How awesome is that? It's easy to use and there are Windows, Mac, and Linux versions available.

You can see some document conversion examples on their website as well as a link to download a free trial here: http://www.investintech.com/able2extract.html
I highly recommend you check it out!

How to Convert PDF to AutoCAD

One question many CAD users ask is if there is an easy way to convert PDF to AutoCAD format. Well, now there is an easy, and best of all, FREE solution for you. PDFAutoCAD is a free PDF to DWG  and DXF conversion for AutoCAD-designed PDFs.

Some of its distinct features are:

• High quality conversions with lines, arcs, scale presets and texts preserved, and no need for further touch-ups.
• Files of up to 40MB can be uploaded and converted quickly.
• All uploaded user data, including emails, is deleted in accordance with their privacy policy.
• Everything is free - they support themselves via ads on the homepage (please, don’t be confused by them).

I've used this site myself and find it very useful. Check it out here.

Drafting and Dimensioning in Solid Edge Tutorial

Ally PLM has created another wonderful Lunch Bytes Solid Edge video tutorial. This time the topic they cover is Solid Edge drafting, dimensioning, and annotation tips and tricks. More detailed topics include how to create drawings in Solid Edge, how to create a quicksheet template, how to add different views, how to create dimensions and annotations, how to make sheet metal callouts, and more. Watch this awesome Solid Edge tutorial below:

Android Application Programming Basics

Today I’m going to share a few of my notes about Android Application programming basics. Recently I’ve been trying to learn how to program Android applications. This post is not directly related to CAD but I will hopefully one day be creating some Android applications for CAD users.

Android Programming Acronyms

• SDK = software development kit
• DP = density pixels
• IDE = Integrated Development Environment
• UI = User Interface

Android apps are written in Java. I think it’s much harder to learn than writing macros for CATIA V5. When you write a macro, you can type up the code in a simple text editor and it is read top to bottom like a book. When writing code for Android applications, code must be inserted into at least three different locations within the Eclipse IDE software.

Pages or screens in Android apps are known as Activities. An Intent is a communicator with another application and you use it to change screens. To create a new activity right click on package: New>Class. Give it a name and set Super class as Activity, which will be a java file. Each activity needs a layout file (.xml) created by going to New>Android xml. Name it file_name.xml. Xml is a way to organize information with structure (as opposed to just using a text file). The xml file is used to organize the layout and properties of all the text, input boxes, buttons, images, etc. Buttons use a method called OnClickListener.

Alright, that might have sounded confusing to you, especially if you’ve never programmed before, so I’m going to leave it at that for now. Would you like to learn more about Android application programming? Please let me know and I will write more detailed posts. I’ve recently created two Android applications and they are available in the Google Play store for Free here.

In your opinion, what are the best CAD apps out there?

CATIA Lego Training Download

I’ve long looked for a good LEGO CAD program and today I’ve finally found one. John B Cearns, founder and

owner of Solid Engineering Solutions, has created an outstanding exercise to help students learn how to use CATIA’s Assembly Design workbench while being super fun at the same time.

While building the Lego model you’ll learn how to use catalogs in CATIA to create different Lego blocks in 3D. Not all the parts required to make the Four Wheeler and Rebel Wrecker are present in the CATParts folder. There are 72 parts missing from this folder but they have provided 12 tabulated parts for you to use to easily create the missing 72 parts. Step by step instructions are provided in the documentation for both sets.  The Four Wheeler contains 102 different parts and the total parts are 338. The Rebel Wrecker contains 123 different parts and the total parts are 468.

The free download contains all instructions necessary to assemble the Four Wheel and Rebel Wrecker. Or, if you just want to build the physical Lego sets you could just do that as well using these instructions. Get them here:

 http://www.solengsol.com/solid_engineering_downloads.htm

After you have created these two CATProduct models, there is a wealth of Kinematics joints you can perform on them: Revolute Joint, Cylindrical Joint, Spherical Joint, Rigid Joint, Universal Joint, Gear Joint, Cable Joint, and Rack Joint. The Lego parts also use a relation law created by a Multiple Value User Parameter to define the color: PartBody.Color = PartBodyColor.

This exercise is a great example if you want to use CATIA or other CAD software as a Lego design software. Many different bricks can be created from the template of a few using catalogs. All around, I highly recommend checking out this tutorial because, as I said, it is a lot of fun and very educational too (and it's free)!

Download the Lego CAD files and instructions here:http://www.solengsol.com/solid_engineering_downloads.htm
Please note: CATIA V5 R19 is required.

Default Text Sizes in CATIA V5

How do you change the default tree text size in CATIA?

To change the default size of the text in the specification tree in CATIA V5, click on the tree. This will allow you to first set the size of the tree text to how you want it by zooming in or out. Once satisfied, instead of clicking on the tree again click on the axis system in the lower right hand corner of the screen. This should change the default size of the specification tree, even if you should close CATIA and open it again the text size should remain the same. 

How do you change the compass size in CATIA V5?

 

Another common question is how to change the size of the compass. I recently just switched over my PC to Windows 7 OS and the compass is smaller now than it was while I was running Windows XP. In addition to this, when I right click on so geometry in the spec tree and open the Parents and Children window in CATIA the default text size is so small I can't easily read it. Thus, I have to zoom in on it every single time which is really annoying and wastes valuable time (I'm a CAD engineer and am always striving for the most efficient way to do things). There does not appear to be an option under Tools > Options to change this setting. The best answer I could find involves editing the CATIA Environment file (env.txt) as so:

CATWidthMMOfScreen= 340 which is the screen width value in millimeters => measured on your screen.
CATHeightMMOfScreen= 200, the screen height value in millimeters => measured on your screen.
CATWidthPixelOfScreen= 1920, the horizontal screen resolution set in your computer display properties panel.
CATHeightPixelOfScreen=1200 is the vertical screen resolution set in your computer display properties panel.

The location of the CATIA environment file depends on how you or your administrator have set it up. Listed below are the default CATEnv file locations: 

Windows XP:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\DassaultSystemes\CATEnv
C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\DassaultSystemes\CATEnv

Windows 7:

C:\ProgramData\DassaultSystemes\CATEnv
C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\DassaultSystemes\CATEnv

Kinect Hack Video: CATIA V5 Manipulation

KinectCAD for CATIA V5

I recently stumbled upon one of the coolest Kinect applications I’ve ever seen. The Kinect is Microsoft’s Xbox 360’s latest webcam style peripheral. This new high tech toy permits users to “be the controller” through natural user interface (NUI) by controlling the game with their voice and body movements. Microsoft took it a step further and released the Kinect software development kit (SDK) for Windows 7 allowing developers to write Kinect applications in C++, C#, or Visual Basic .NET. There are numerous “Kinect hacking” videos on YouTube. One such user has now manipulated the Kinect to provide a gesture based movement of CATIA part objects.

How to use Kinect with CATIA V5? Using this new application in development it is now possible to rotate and zoom in or out of your new Kinect 3D CAD model while standing in front of your monitor and using your arms. It gets even better: utilizing Kinect’s built in microphone there is a rudimentary speech recognition function you can use to change the rotation axes. Can you imagine creating every part in CATIA this way (or any other CAD system for that matter)?

Using the SDK V1 software for Kinect, KinectCAD has been created in Visual C# 2010. It may be a slow way to work (at first) but is a brilliant concept nonetheless. Pretty soon we’ll be seeing 3d Kinect models of all our CAD parts. It would be a great way for automakers to perform layout check in conference rooms (and funny to watch  too). Hats off to the creators and I can’t wait to see more. Checkout the Kinect video recording below:

Please note: this program is still in development.  To learn more please visit this site. So, what do you think of KinectCAD? What other applications could you see between Xbox Kinect and CATIA V5? Please leave a comment below!

Importing AutoCAD Drawings into CATIA

 How to convert DXF drawings into CATIA CATPart sketches 

There's a little trick I use when I need to copy and paste DXF 2D drawing views from AutoCAD into a sketch for a CATPart file. First of all, if you attempt to simply copy and paste a drawing view directly into the part file you may get something that looks the image picture below- a jumbled mess of data, points, and lines. 

In order to fix this problem to import the drawing data completely, open the dxf file in CATIA. Next, save the drawing as an IG2 file (which is a 2D iges file). Now open the IG2 file and copy the main view into the CATPart. Or, another option is you can rename your IG2 2D file in Windows as .igs and then open that file and it will be imported in CATIA as a 3D part file. Sometimes you have to get creative and employ these little work-arounds to get the software to do exactly what you want it to do.

How to Insert Symbols in Excel

I've created a new "How To" video tutorial showing you how to insert symbols, like the degree sign, into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, using three different methods including the character map.

How do you simulate rolling in CATIA?

This is anupdate of an older post. I've created a brand new tutorial with step-by-step instructions detailing how to use CATIA V5's DMU kinematics workbench to simulate a rolling object.

First, in assembly design, create a new product and insert two new parts, one name Wheel and the other Ramp. 

I've explained this before but as a real quick overview, to create my ramp I used three sketches (overhead, side profile, and rotation about itself sketch) and combined them with laws. The wheel is a simple sketch and pad command. On my ramp I have two parallel curves 5mm apart. On my wheel I also have two parallel curves offset from each other 5mm. I added a point to one of the edges of the wheels so you can see it spin around in a circle when we simulate it. 

Add a Fix constraint to the ramp to ensure it does not move. It's absolutely vital that the curves on the wheel and the curves on the ramp are tangent to each other. Even a 0.001 gap and it will not work. Use coincidence restraints to pair them together if you have to. Also make sure your ramp is nice and smooth and much bigger than your wheel.

Now it's time to go into the DMU Kinematics workbench. Create a new mechanism and set the ramp as the fixed part. I can constrain all degrees of freedom using only two joints. The first joint is a roll curve joint between curve 1 on the wheel and curve 1 on the ramp. This is a length driven joint meaning you will input the rolling distance over time from the start point. The second joint is a slide curve joint between curve 2 on the wheel and curve 2 on the ramp.

Once you get the hang of it you can simulate more complex systems, like a full-scale roller coaster! 

CATIA KINEMATICS ROLLING TUTORIAL VIDEO: 

View my Introduction to CATIACATScript Macros Video Tutorial.

Solid Edge Synchronous and Ordered Modeling Video Tutorial

Ally PLM released their latest Lunch Byte video tutorial, this time covering the topics of synchronous and ordered modeling. These videos are meant to showcase some of the feature of Solid Edge that you may not be aware of. Watch the embedded tutorial below to learn about how synchronous modeling accelerates the design process allowing for fast and flexible edits.

Learn AutoCAD for Dummies Review

AutoCAD is one of the leading 2D software used by engineers, architects, and designers. AutoCAD 2012 for Dummies quickly brings readers up-to-date on the latest version with all the new additions and revisions to the program. This book includes great colored illustrations and tutorials to help users better understand the material. This book was a huge help to me, someone used to running AutoCAD 2005 when I needed to, but am now making the upgrade to AutoCAD 2012. Believe it or not, even with model based definition where data is contained with 3D models, I am still needing to go to AutoCAD from time to time to whip up a quick drawing for a fixture or jig. As a mechanical engineer, it never hurts to stay up to date on the latest software available and this book is a great way to do that.

I do want to note this book is written specially for Windows users (sorry MAC peeps).

Purchase AutoCAD 2012 for Dummies and start learning how to use AutoCAD today!

Dealing with Different Versions of CATIA

Only one version of CATIA V5 can be registered with Windows at a given time. If you have R16, R17, and R18SP2 installed on your PC, only one of these is currently registered. You can find which one is registered by looking at the directory when you register. To automate a specific version of CATIA you first have t register that version with Windows. Here are the steps to un-register or re-register a CATIA V5 version:
 
1.        Reboot your pc
2.        Open a command prompt
3.        CD to the unload directory of the version of CATIA you want to un-register (i.e. “c\program files\dassault systemes\B15\intel_a\code\bin”)
4.        Run the command “cnext-unregserver”
5.        Open up the task manager and wait until the “cnext” process stops running (which may take a few minutes)
6.        CD to the unload directory of the version of CATIA you want to register (i.e. “c\program files\dassault systems\B16\intel_a\code\bin”)
7.        Run the command “cnext-regserver”
8.        In the task manager again, wait until the “cnext” process stops
9.        Open up VB and check that the correct version is registered
10.        Please note this only needs to be done between full releases and not service packs!

New DraftSight Learning Resources Flipbook Available

We invite you to check out the DraftSight Master Series – an online flipbook designed to help you maximize your design skills. The book includes a collection of tips, tricks, videos, webinars and more from DraftSight’s training guru, Mark Lyons.

We hope you’ll find this to be a useful tool, and invite you to share it with your friends and colleagues. 
Thanks for using DraftSight! - The DraftSight Team

Gift Ideas for CAD and 3D Modelers

Are you shopping for a CAD user, 3D modeler, or an engineer? Well, I have a couple of holiday gift suggestions for you.

A full-color guide to the #1 architectural drafting program—AutoCAD 2012 for Dummies. AutoCAD is the leading software used to create 2D and 3D technical drawings. Used by engineers, architects, and drafting professionals, it can be complex and is a perfect subject for the tried-and-true For Dummies format. Full-color illustrations make the instructions even easier to follow, because examples in the book appear exactly as they will on the screen.

Fully updated for the latest version of software, Kelley’s Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 5.0 Instructor remains organized around step-by-step tutorials — the most effective way to teach and learn this procedure-intensive CAD application. Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 5.0 Instructor provides a solid background in parametric design and constraint-based modeling. In addition, the comprehensive references make this text an all-in-one tutorial, reference, and lecture guide for students of Pro/ENGINEER.

CATIA V6 (Computer-Aided Three Dimensional Interactive Application) is the world's leading multi-platform CAD/CAM/CAE software suite marketed worldwide by IBM. It allows the user to apply its capabilities to a variety of industries such as automotive, industrial robots, electronics, manufacturing design, aerospace, and consumer goods. CATIA V6 Essentials includes all the major concepts related to the latest version of CATIA, such as installation, modes, and modeling in an easy-to-understand, step-by-step format. It also covers all the major commands and techniques and provides the reader with all of the details to learn the basics with a clear method of instruction. This comprehensive reference will help you navigate this multifaceted software with ease.

Solid Edge ST3 for Designers is a comprehensive textbook that introduces the users to direct modeling with precise control of dimension-driven design through precision sketching and selection handles using the Solid Edge ST3 software. The textbook covers all major environments of Solid Edge ST3 in both the Synchronous and Ordered modeling with a thorough explanation of all tools, options, and their applications to create real-world products.

And some shameless self-promotion. Have you ever wondered what it takes to design and build a roller coaster? At last, there’s a book that shows you. A mix of engineering and art, roller coasters are complex three-dimensional puzzles consisting of thousands of individual parts. Designers spend countless hours creating and tweaking ride paths to push the envelope of exhilaration, all while maintaining the highest safety standards. Coasters 101: An Engineering Guide to Roller Coaster Design examines the numerous diverse aspects of roller coaster engineering, including some of the mathematical formulas and engineering concepts used.

How to add amacro icon to a toolbar in CATIA V5?

There are multiple ways to initiate a CATScript macro in CATIA V5. Did you know that it is possible to invoke your macro through a tool bar icon? How do you create an icon for your macro? Go to tools >customize >commands > macros > show properties. Next, simply define a logo for your macro by picking one from the 180 plus icons to choose from (or browse to your own custom made icon) and then drag and drop it into the menu bar where you want it. It's that easy. So now you should have three ways to run your VBA CATScripts: going to Tools>Macro>Macros, hitting Alt+F8, or by clicking on your icon in a toolbar.

How to automatically take a picture using a catscript

Catscripts can be a powerful tool when needing to automate processes in CATIA V5. One common process which is helpful to automate is when you want to take a screenshot of a .catpart or .catproduct with a white background (to put into a powerpoint or Excelfile). This sounds like a daunting task if you are new to VB programming. I find the best thing to do is to break down this large, challenging project into smaller, more manageable tasks. Let's think about each stage we want the macro to complete:
1. Reframe on the part
2. Hide the specification tree
3. Change the background color to white
4. Take a screenshot and save it as a JPEG file
5. Change the background display color back to what it was
6. Unhide the specification tree
Now, if we take each of those steps one at a time it's not so big of a problem. I'll be explaining each of these steps in the next couple of posts starting with step one today- how to automatically reframe (or fit all in) on the part in CATIA. We'll create each step individually then combine them all into one CATScript at the end.  This tutorial will also help you learn visual basic programming and will help you write your own CATScripts.
First, go to Tools>Macro>Macros. Click "Create" and change the Macro language to CATScript. Enter a name for your macro. Copy and paste the following code.

Language="VBSCRIPT"
Sub CATMain()

Dim specsAndGeomWindow1 As Window
Set specsAndGeomWindow1 = CATIA.ActiveWindow

Dim viewer3D1 As Viewer
Set viewer3D1 = specsAndGeomWindow1.ActiveViewer

viewer3D1.Reframe

Dim viewpoint3D1 As Viewpoint3D
Set viewpoint3D1 = viewer3D1.Viewpoint3D

End Sub

What does all of the above actually mean? A CATIA VBA program or “macro” consists of a
“Subroutine” named CATMain(), called out with the line Sub CATMain(). Variables are “dimmed” (declared) and then “set” (given a value). Variables are “dimmed” as a type. A type is either a “primitive” type (single, double, integer, string, etc.) or an object type (more complex). 

Stay tuned to learn more in our next article... 

Quick CATIA Tips: Avoid zoom on the specification tree

One annoying aspect of using CATIA is when you attempt to click one of the little plus signs in your specification tree but you miss and accidentally click a branch instead. Your models goes a shade darker and when you try and zoom in on your model it instead makes the tree get enormous or extremely tiny. To turn this option off simply go to Tools>Options>General>Display>Tree Manipulation. Disable the tree manipulation option by unchecking the box. Now this will prevent unnecessary tree zooming. If you still need to zoom in or out on the tree in this mode hold Ctrl while scrolling the mouse wheel instead.

Quick CATIA Tips: How to export the specification tree

I've personally never had to use this before but I can think of many applications where it would be extremely useful, especially in case where your customer or client may not have access or licenses for CATIA. To Export the Specification Tree go to Save As and select text file. You will get a text file that contains only your specification tree.

Quick CATIA Tips: Increase the number of Undos

Did you know that you can control the number of times CATIA will let you hit the undo button? This is a good tip if you are dealing with a large or complicated part model. The default number of undo levels is ten. In some cases it can be very useful to have a few more, but do remember that this will hog system memory so show restraint when altering this setting. Here's where the option is located:
R16: Tools > Options: Select General > Performances.
R18: Tools > Options: General > PCS